The Record: Boston tragedy

The Record

FOR RUNNERS, the Boston Marathon is the Olympics. While big-city marathons have become popular in cities from New York to London, Boston is special. Now it is infamous.

As we now all know, a little more than four hours into Monday's race, two explosions near the finish line sent spectators, media and runners racing for safety. Reports cited at least three dead and more than 100 injured. At least two other explosive devices were found by law enforcement near the race route, and there was a fire at the JFK Library that may have been the result of an incendiary device. As horrible as it was, it could have been worse.

In the aftermath, motives remained unknown. Whether this act of terrorism was the work of a crazed individual, religious jihadists or some other nefarious group, it is a reminder of how dangerous our world has become and how helpless we are when individuals intent on doing harm do just that.

Marathons are large-scale, celebratory events. The race spans 26.2 miles, and the courses are well-documented on the websites that promote the events. There is nothing secret about where a race is routed or what buildings are close to the course.

We have seen violence at sporting events before — from Munich to Atlanta. Yet there is something raw about this attack because the Boston Marathon is not political. There is no parade of nations or an Olympic Village where athletes representing countries that may be targets for terrorism reside. The Boston Marathon is a race where a few elite runners claim prizes but where the majority of runners are average individuals who have pushed themselves to achieve a moment of excellence.

As more information becomes available, there will be greater understanding of what happened and how to prevent a similar tragedy. But there can be little done to lock down a 26.2-mile race that draws tens of thousands of participants and even more spectators. And as much as we learn from one act of terrorism, we are limited. We cannot know what has yet to be imagined inside some sick mind.

Last year's New York City Marathon was canceled because of superstorm Sandy. The 2013 race would have been a joyous celebration of our region's recovery. Now it may be that, but it also will be shrouded in the smoke of Boston. There will be an element of fear in the air.

As a nation, we cannot run from terrorists. And for the thousands of runners who long to qualify for Boston or win a lottery spot to run in New York City, they cannot stop running.

Monday was Patriot's Day, a big holiday in Boston. It marks the first battles of the Revolutionary War in Lexington and Concord. In American history, it was the moment colonists first stood against tyranny, when British colonists became Americans.

Terrorism shut down a race in Boston; it cannot shut down the spirit of Lexington and Concord.

The Record: Boston tragedy

FOR RUNNERS, the Boston Marathon is the Olympics. While big-city marathons have become popular in cities from New York to London, Boston is special. Now it is infamous.

As we now all know, a little more than four hours into Monday's race, two explosions near the finish line sent spectators, media and runners racing for safety. Reports cited at least three dead and more than 100 injured. At least two other explosive devices were found by law enforcement near the race route, and there was a fire at the JFK Library that may have been the result of an incendiary device. As horrible as it was, it could have been worse.

In the aftermath, motives remained unknown. Whether this act of terrorism was the work of a crazed individual, religious jihadists or some other nefarious group, it is a reminder of how dangerous our world has become and how helpless we are when individuals intent on doing harm do just that.

Marathons are large-scale, celebratory events. The race spans 26.2 miles, and the courses are well-documented on the websites that promote the events. There is nothing secret about where a race is routed or what buildings are close to the course.

We have seen violence at sporting events before — from Munich to Atlanta. Yet there is something raw about this attack because the Boston Marathon is not political. There is no parade of nations or an Olympic Village where athletes representing countries that may be targets for terrorism reside. The Boston Marathon is a race where a few elite runners claim prizes but where the majority of runners are average individuals who have pushed themselves to achieve a moment of excellence.

As more information becomes available, there will be greater understanding of what happened and how to prevent a similar tragedy. But there can be little done to lock down a 26.2-mile race that draws tens of thousands of participants and even more spectators. And as much as we learn from one act of terrorism, we are limited. We cannot know what has yet to be imagined inside some sick mind.

Last year's New York City Marathon was canceled because of superstorm Sandy. The 2013 race would have been a joyous celebration of our region's recovery. Now it may be that, but it also will be shrouded in the smoke of Boston. There will be an element of fear in the air.

As a nation, we cannot run from terrorists. And for the thousands of runners who long to qualify for Boston or win a lottery spot to run in New York City, they cannot stop running.

Monday was Patriot's Day, a big holiday in Boston. It marks the first battles of the Revolutionary War in Lexington and Concord. In American history, it was the moment colonists first stood against tyranny, when British colonists became Americans.

Terrorism shut down a race in Boston; it cannot shut down the spirit of Lexington and Concord.